Dean Standish Perkins & AssociatesDean Standish Perkins & Associates2024-03-17T01:02:57Zhttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402599/2020/03/cropped-DSP_FAVICON_512x512_MAR20-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=536342024-03-13T01:04:21Z2024-03-17T01:02:57Zwhat influences pedestrian safety, from age demographics to environmental influences.
Heightened vulnerability: Who to look out for
Several factors can increase a pedestrian’s risk of being involved in a car accident. However, some demographics are more at risk than others. To begin with, young children, typically 14 and under, are more prone to accidents due to their smaller stature, limited understanding of traffic rules and tendency for impulsive actions. Their shorter height makes them harder for drivers to see, and they may not grasp the dangers of oncoming traffic.
Additionally, as people age, their reflexes slow down and vision may deteriorate. For this reason, older adults (aged 65+) can be more susceptible to confusion or disorientation, especially those with certain medical conditions. This can make it challenging for them to judge traffic flow and react quickly.
Beyond age
Pedestrians in low-visibility conditions are also more susceptible to being hit by a vehicle. Walking at night or during bad weather drastically reduces visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Wearing reflective clothing and using flashlights can significantly improve safety in low-light situations.
Additionally, busy streets with complex intersections and multiple lanes can be overwhelming for pedestrians, especially children and older adults. Distracted walking, such as using headphones or phones, further increases risk in these areas.
Keeping the roads safe
By recognizing these vulnerabilities, both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to help prevent accidents. For instance, drivers should be extra cautious in areas where children or older adults are likely to be present, such as:
School zones
Residential areas
Crosswalks
Drivers can minimize pedestrian accidents by slowing down, eliminating distractions and yielding to pedestrians whenever necessary.
That said, pedestrians should make an effort to always use designated crosswalks and adhere to traffic signals. Maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings, avoiding distractions like phones and making eye contact with drivers before crossing can make a world of difference. With that said, pedestrians who get involved in car accidents due to drivers’ reckless behavior can consider working with a reliable legal team to pursue compensation for their injuries. Because, unfortunately, even the most safety-conscious pedestrians can find themselves hurt through no fault of their own.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=536322024-03-13T00:38:24Z2024-03-13T00:38:24Zhelp ensure a safer journey to and from your destination.
Be a master of defensive driving
Defensive driving is a proactive approach that anticipates hazards and prepares you to react safely to them. A good practice to adopt is always maintaining a safe following distance. This gives you more time to react if the car in front of you slows down suddenly.
You should also minimize distractions and avoid multi-tasking while behind the wheel. Put your phone away, silence notifications and avoid eating or grooming while driving. This way, you can focus all your attention on the road and the actions of other drivers.
It also helps a great deal to scan your surroundings rather than just look straight ahead. Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots to be aware of what’s happening around you. Most importantly, be a predictable driver by signaling well in advance of lane changes and turns and avoid erratic maneuvers.
Be weather wise
Weather conditions can drastically impact driving safety. Therefore, you should adjust your commute accordingly. For instance, you should slow down and increase your following distance in rainy weather. Also, be aware of hydroplaning risks, especially in standing water.
When the weather is foggy, use low-beam headlights and maintain a very safe following distance. Avoid passing other vehicles unless it’s absolutely necessary. Lastly, when there’s snow and ice on the road, if possible, delay your commute until road crews have cleared the way. If you must drive, go slow and be extra cautious when braking and turning.
By following these tips and adopting a defensive driving mindset, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. But remember, other drivers’ behavior on the road can still get you involved in a crash. Should this happen, consider working with an experienced legal team to pursue compensation for your injuries.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=536232024-03-07T16:30:46Z2024-03-07T16:30:46Z
Fluids. A failure to make sure the fluids are at proper levels can result in serious damage to the engine. Check gas, engine oil, and brake fluid levels before taking the bike out for a ride.
Brakes. Inspect the brake lines and pads of both the front and rear tires.
Tires. Check the tire pressure. Inspect the tire for flat spots, cracks, or balding.
Although these steps are a great start, they are just the beginning. Additional inspections are recommended depending on the type of motorcycle to reduce the risk of a crash.
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accidents often result from a combination of factors that can be broadly categorized as rider error, environmental conditions, and other drivers' actions. One of the most common causes of these crashes involves driver inattention. Drivers not seeing motorcycles in traffic can contribute to catastrophic crashes and serious injuries, including:
Road rash: Abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement.
Fractures and broken bones: High-impact crashes often result in broken limbs.
Head injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can sustain concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
These injuries are often more severe for a motorcycle rider because they do not have the same protection as those within a passenger car or truck.
Who is responsible for the cost of the accident?
There are instances when another driver's reckless or careless behavior results in a motorcycle crash. In Washington, a person may be considered negligent if they fail to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. Victims who are looking to build a negligence claim generally need to establish four elements:
Duty of care: All drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely.
Breach of duty: A driver is negligent if they fail to meet this standard.
Causation: The negligent behavior must be the direct cause of the accident.
Damages: The victim must have sustained injuries or losses due to the crash.
Injured riders can collect evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records, to support their case.
Although few modes of transportation provide the same level of enjoyment and connection to the road, motorcycle riders in Washington face significant risks on the road, often due to factors beyond their control. By recognizing the common causes of accidents and the types of injuries that can occur, riders can be better prepared to protect themselves. Moreover, understanding the legal concepts of negligence and liability is important for those who have been seriously injured due to another's actions. In the event of an accident, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and ensure just compensation for the harm suffered.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=536142024-02-15T02:05:03Z2024-02-15T02:05:03ZCauses of TBIs
The underlying causes of TBIs in motor vehicle accidents are multifaceted. Direct impacts to the head against parts of the vehicle's interior are one cause. The brain's sudden movement within the skull due to abrupt stops or changes in direction can also cause brain injuries. Factors that increase the risk of TBIs during crashes include not wearing seat belts, vehicle speed, the nature of the collision and the presence or absence of airbags.
Symptoms of TBIs
Symptoms of TBIs can manifest in many physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related challenges.
Physical: Headaches, nausea, fatigue, speech problems and seizures
Cognitive: Difficulties with attention, memory, processing speed and executive functioning
Emotional and behavioral changes: Mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
The diversity in symptoms reflects the complexity of the brain and underscores the need for a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Treatments for TBIs
Treatment for TBIs is multifaceted and tailored to the injury's severity and the individual's specific symptoms. Mild TBIs may require rest and symptom management, but moderate to severe injuries could necessitate acute care, including surgery.
Rehabilitation is critical to encourage maximum healing. This often involves a team of specialists focused on physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, neuropsychology and social support.
The cost of the care necessary for a TBI is considerable. Seeking compensation is an opportunity for a victim to hold liable parties accountable for those expenses. Seeking legal guidance can make this process easier, so a victim can heal while their case is being constructed and moving through the process.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=536112024-01-17T20:31:02Z2024-01-17T20:31:02ZPeople can see something without recognizing it
Drivers who claim they couldn't see a cyclist aren't usually fully correct in their analysis of the situation. The chances are quite good that the cyclist was perfectly visible. Drivers claim they couldn't see a bicycle in the lane immediately in front of their vehicle or across an intersection from them. They probably did look directly at the bicycle. However, they may not have recognized the vehicle as a traffic safety concern. Psychologists refer to this experience as inattentional blindness. The brain has a limited ability to process incoming information. Visual data requires a huge amount of brain processing effort.
Those traveling in a vehicle take in more information than their brain can manage at once. It therefore engages in a sort of triage process. The brain decides what information is important enough to command someone's attention while filtering visual information. Cyclists, pedestrians and even motorcycles are obviously smaller than an enclosed motor vehicle, so the brain does not consider these objects a threat.
People don't notice the cyclist unless they intentionally attempt to focus on them. Many drivers do not take the time to intentionally scan their surroundings for bicycles, and they might cause preventable crashes because of that failure. Thankfully, cyclists hurt in collisions and those mourning the loss of a loved one may potentially be able to hold a negligent Washington driver accountable for causing a crash. But, in an ideal world, such crashes would be prevented in the first place.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=536012023-12-15T16:38:00Z2023-12-15T16:38:00ZParking lots
Parking lots typically see people traveling at very low speeds, but those low speeds do not guarantee safety. If anything, people become complacent in parking lots. Despite a large number of pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same space, drivers may fail to monitor their surroundings. Some may also drive at very unsafe speeds or use their phones because they aren't on the road. Parking lots are one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians.
Driveways
A large number of collisions occur very close to someone's primary residence. Sometimes, crashes occur right at the end of someone's driveway. Vehicles pulling out of driveways typically maintain very slow speeds. Those approaching driveways to enter them tend to decelerate rapidly. That can be very risky, especially on rural roads with higher speed limits. Collisions at or near driveways can damage vehicles and send people to the hospital. Those backing out of driveways also often fail to check for pedestrians and cyclists, leading to them causing crashes that injure others.
Residential neighborhoods
In theory, the speed limits in residential neighborhoods are the lowest of any type of street. In practice, drivers frequently speed because they do not expect police officers to patrol a cul-de-sac in a housing development. Drunk drivers may intentionally use residential roads to avoid police officers on busier thoroughfares. People who feel comfortable because they are close to home may also engage in less safe driving behaviors. The end result of all of these factors is that residential roads can be as unsafe as highways or freeways if people encounter the wrong individuals in traffic.
Realizing that factors other than the speed limit contribute to collision risk and severity may help people make better choices about where to drive and how to manage their vehicles in different areas.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=535802023-11-09T19:05:09Z2023-11-09T19:05:09ZStepping into your car and venturing onto the open road requires drivers to remain vigilant about safety. Being able to perform driving duties requires drivers to be sober, well rested and focused on their responsibilities. When these traits aren’t present, drivers can make errors that lead to crashes.
Understanding why impairment, fatigue, and distractions are dangerous may help drivers remain safer.
Impaired driving
Whether it’s alcohol, medication or other substances, impairment harms reaction times, cognitive ability and decision-making skills. Even motor skills are affected. Some drivers don’t realize how impaired they are until it’s too late and they’re already on the road. This puts everyone on the road with them at risk.
Distracted driving
Many people associate distracted driving with texting, but that’s only one form of distraction. Anything that takes a driver’s mind off driving, eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel is a distraction. This can include everything from looking at an interesting billboard or talking to other occupants of the vehicle to taking a bite of food or adjusting the playlist. Drivers must keep their full attention on the road to see obstacles that might require them to act and take the appropriate action.
Fatigued driving
Fatigue while driving is sneaky because it often creeps up unnoticed, like a shadow. This doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with lack of sleep, but that is one cause drivers can correct. Driving on familiar roads and certain medical conditions can also contribute to driver fatigue. Any driver who starts noticing signs of drowsiness, including microsleeps, excessive yawning or droopy eyes, should get off the road as soon as safely possible so they rest enough that it’s safe to drive again.Unfortunately, impaired, fatigued and distracted drivers can injure innocent people on the roadways. Whether the victim is an occupant in another vehicle, bicyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian, their future can change dramatically. Those victims may seek compensation to help offset the expenses related to the crash. Washington law has time limits built in for how long victims have to seek compensation, so do this quickly.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=535502023-10-13T06:09:01Z2023-10-13T06:09:01ZHigher speeds correlate with heightened risk
According to an in-depth analysis of nationwide pedestrian crashes from AAA, an individual's chances of serious injury or death increase with the speed of the vehicle involved. Vehicles must travel at least 16 miles per hour (mph) to create a 10% chance of serious injury or 23 mph to create a 10% chance of the pedestrian dying.
At 23 mph, a pedestrian only has a 25% risk of incurring major injuries. However, as the speed limit increases, so does the likelihood of a poor outcome. The possibility of a severe injury is 50% at 31 mph and a shocking 90% for vehicles traveling 46 mph. Vehicles traveling at 42 mph have a 50% risk of killing someone. At just 58 mph, the pedestrian involved in the crash has a 90% chance of dying. Certain other factors influence the risk of injury and death, including the size of the vehicle and the age of the pedestrian involved in the crash.
Obviously, pedestrians cannot always avoid walking or jogging on streets with higher speed limits, but they may still want to prioritize traveling on roads with lower speed limits whenever possible. In this way, identifying controllable factors that influence someone's overall level of risk can make the choice to walk or jog on public streets a little less risky.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=534402023-09-20T13:17:38Z2023-09-20T13:17:38ZSchool of Law Incubator Program has helped those hoping to develop a legal practice connect with the support they need to succeed.
How the incubator program works
The Seattle University School of Law's Access to Justice Institute started developing the program in 2013 and began working with students in 2014. Headed by Dean "Stan" Perkins, who is an alumnus of The Seattle University School of Law, the incubator program helps those aspiring to run their own practices prepare themselves for success.
Through mentorship and low-bono representation, the Incubator Program gives recent law school graduates the experience and knowledge they need to develop their own practices. In addition to mentorship from seasoned attorneys, incubatees will be able to network with other recent graduates. They will have access to specialized case management software and legal libraries.
There will also be support for business management and marketing efforts, both of which can prove challenging for those trying to establish themselves in the legal profession. Prior incubatees have gone on to launch their own law firms after working with mentors and learning about the practical requirements of running a small legal practice.
Any recent Seattle University School of Law graduate who is eligible to practice law in Washington state and desires to start their own solitary or small law practice can potentially participate. They will typically need to commit to having roughly three-fifths of their caseload involve those with moderate and limited means.
The 2023 application deadline for those hoping to participate in the program in 2024 is November 15th. Those hoping to develop a personal practice are invited to learn more about the groundbreaking Incubator Program that could potentially help set them up for professional success.]]>On Behalf of Dean Standish Perkins & Associateshttps://www.deanstandishperkins.com/?p=534372023-08-22T20:15:51Z2023-08-22T20:15:51ZA legacy of excellence
Susan B. Cohodes has been advocating for injury victims since 1986. After graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism Degree from Northwestern University, she earned a Juris Doctor from The Chicago Kent College of Law in 1986.
Susan is a born and bred product of the Iron Mountain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. However, she has spent significant portions of her life in Germany, Illinois and Idaho. Susan B. Cohodes was a practicing lawyer in Chicago until 1992 when she moved to Washington. Her journey at the Law Offices of Dean Standish Perkins & Associates began in 2000, and she’s been advocating for injured people with our team ever since.
She has successfully navigated complex cases, provided invaluable counsel and served as a mentor to many. Her unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards, coupled with her unparalleled work ethic, has made her an inspiration to colleagues and clients alike.
She is a loving mother, football fan and meticulous legal representative
Susan is the mother of two children and is an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and loves to travel to Wisconsin to watch them play. Susan has also traveled thousands of miles locally to meet clients. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to approach challenges with innovative solutions have consistently set her apart as a legal luminary.
As we bid farewell to Susan B. Cohodes, we express our deepest gratitude for her invaluable contributions to our firm’s success. Her dedication, integrity and passion for justice have been the bedrock of our legal practice. While her departure leaves a void difficult to fill, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life in retirement.]]>